1. Driving folliculogenesis by the oocyte-somatic cell dialog: Lessons from genetic models
- Author
-
Danielle Monniaux, Physiologie de la reproduction et des comportements [Nouzilly] (PRC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Tours-Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation [Saumur]-Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation [Saumur]-Université de Tours-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation [Saumur]-Université de Tours (UT)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,[SDV.OT]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Other [q-bio.OT] ,endocrine system ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Growth differentiation factor-9 ,Biology ,Bone morphogenetic protein ,Models, Biological ,prolificacy ,03 medical and health sciences ,modèle génétique ,Ovarian Follicle ,Food Animals ,folliculogenesis ,genetic models ,Internal medicine ,Genetic model ,bone morphogenetic proteins ,medicine ,Animals ,Ovarian follicle ,Small Animals ,folliculogénèse ,Equine ,Follicular atresia ,anti müllerian hormone ,Oocyte ,primary ovarian insufficiency ,Cell biology ,KIT ligand ,voie de signalisation ,030104 developmental biology ,Endocrinology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,cellule somatique ,Oocytes ,Female ,ovary ,somatic cell ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling ,Folliculogenesis - Abstract
This review focuses on the role of the dialog between the oocyte and its companion somatic cells in driving folliculogenesis from the primordial to the preovulatory follicle stage. Mouse and sheep genetic models have brought complementary evidence of these cell interactions and their consequences for ovarian function. In mouse, the deletion of genes encoding connexins has shown that functional gap junction channels between oocytes and granulosa cells and between granulosa cells themselves maintain the follicle in a functionally integrated state. Targeted deletions in oocytes or granulosa cells have revealed the cell- and stage-specific role of ubiquist factors belonging to the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase signaling pathway in primordial follicle activation, oocyte growth and follicle survival. Various models of transgenic mice and sheep carrying natural loss-of-function mutations associated with sterility have established that the oocyte-derived factors, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15 and growth differentiation factor 9 orchestrate follicle development, support cumulus metabolism and maturation and participate in oocyte meiosis arrest. Unexpectedly in sheep, mutations resulting in the attenuation of BMP signaling lead to enhanced ovulation rate, likely resulting from a lowered follicular atresia rate and the enhancement of FSH-regulated follicular maturation. Both the activation level of BMP signaling and an adequate equilibrium between BMP15 and growth differentiation factor 9 determine follicle survival, maturation, and development toward ovulation. The physiological approaches which were implemented on genetic animal models during the last 20 years have opened up new perspectives for female fertility by identifying the main signaling pathways of the oocyte-somatic cell dialog.
- Published
- 2016